What is a free market? Definition and meaning

A free market is an economic system in which the prices of goods and services are determined by market forces, i.e. supply and demand, rather than government controls, a price-setting monopoly, or some other authority. It is the same as an open market.

In a free market, most businesses and property belong to individuals and entities in the private sector, rather than the state.

In a free market economy, people make deals freely, without government intervention.

In the advanced economies around the world, and several other democratic nations, the right-of-center political parties favor the free market, while the left of center support some kind of government control.

Although free markets are typically associated with capitalism in modern-day usage and popular culture, they have also been advocated by market socialists, profit sharing proponents, advocates of cooperatives, and free-market anarchists.

Free markets in finance and Forex

In financial markets, free market shares are securities that are extensively traded and whose prices are not affected by availability.

In the foreign-exchange world, a free market is one where exchange rates are not pegged by the government – they fluctuate freely through currencies’ supply and demand.

“An economic system in which prices are determined by unrestricted competition between privately owned businesses.”

Adam Smith, the ‘father of modern economics’, was a strong supporter of the free market.

Free market economies and competition

Supporters of a free market economy say it is driven by individual innovation and the idea that hard work and ingenuity are rewarded by success. Every company exists to make a profit. Therefore, in a free market, successful businesses make consistent profits in a level playing field filled with other competitors.

The notion of competition is a key component of a free market economy.

In a free marketplace with healthy competition, consumers get the best possible products and services at the best prices.

When a new product comes onto the market, it usually enters at a high price. After it has been on sale for some time, other competitors start copying it and offering improved versions, and the price falls.

In a free market, expensive and/or low-quality versions of a product or service will be rejected by consumers.

The winners and losers in each industry in a free market are determined by the demands of the customer.

Completely free markets do not exist

Many countries claim they have free market economies. However, there are not any completely free markets in the world today – the ones making those claims are mixed economies. Every nation has state-owned companies, and laws regarding intellectual property, making false claims, safety and quality, and honest behavior.

In the US, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australasia, you cannot buy certain medications at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. This would not be the case in a theoretically totally free market.

Car makers are legally required to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy – they must adhere to safety regulations. People are not allowed to drive if they do not have a driving licence. Only qualified pilots are legally permitted to fly airplanes.

If you have a company that sells herbal teas, it is against the law for you to make claims in your advertising that some of your products can fix a broken leg, or restore eyesight in blind people.

Adam Smith

Adam Smith (1723-1790), a Scottish philosopher and pioneer of political economy, known today as the father of modern economics, laid the foundations of classical free market economic theory.

Mr. Smith believed that markets work best when free, without government interference. His followers today belong to the Classical Economics school of thought. They insist that any changes in supply will eventually be matched by adjustments in demand.

Mr. Smith said that if left to find its own way, a free market will always eventually move towards equilibrium. Market equilibrium is reached when demand for and supply of a good or service are the same.

“I’m not a communist – I believe in the free market and that entrepreneurs should be allowed to take risks because it creates wealth and jobs, but I draw the line at people risking other people’s money. That’s deplorable.”